Neurodevelopmental outcomes among extremely premature infants with linear growth restriction

Extrauterine growth restriction in very-low-birthweight infants: prevalence and concordance according to Fenton, Olsen, and INTERGROWTH-21st growth charts in a multicenter Spanish cohort

Multiple criteria and growth references have been proposed for extrauterine growth restriction (EUGR). We hypothesized that these may impact the diagnosis of EUGR. The objective was to evaluate the prevalence of EUGR with its different definitions and the concordance according to Fenton, Olsen, and INTERGROWTH-21st in very-low-birthweight (VLBW) infants. This is an observational, retrospective, and multicenter study including VLBW infants from the Spanish SEN1500 Network from 2011 to 2020. Patients with major congenital anomalies, embryopathies, and gestational age less than 24 weeks were excluded. EUGR prevalence was calculated at discharge with cross-sectional, longitudinal, "true" cross-sectional, and "true" longitudinal definitions. Concordance was assessed with Fleiss' kappa coefficient. 23582 VLBW infants from 77 NICUs were included. In total, 50.4% were men with a median of gestational age of 29 (4) weeks. The prevalence of EUGR (cross-sectional, longitudinal, and "true") was variable for weight, length, and head circumference. Overall, the prevalence was higher with Fenton and lower with Olsen (cross-sectional and "true" cross-sectional) and INTERGROWTH-21st (longitudinal and "true" longitudinal). Agreement among the charts by weight was good only for cross-sectional EUGR and moderate for longitudinal, "true" cross-sectional, and "true" longitudinal. Concordance was good or very good for EUGR by length and head circumference.Conclusions: The prevalence of EUGR with the most commonly used definitions was variable in the cohort. Agreement among growth charts was moderate for all the definitions of EUGR by weight except cross-sectional and good or very good for length and head circumference. The choice of reference chart can impact the establishment of the diagnosis of EUGR. What is known: • EUGR has been defined in the literature and daily practice considering weight, length and head circumference with multiple criteria (cross-sectional, longitudinal, and "true" definition) • Different growth charts have been used for EUGR diagnosis What is new: • Prevalence of EUGR is variable depending on the definition and growth chart used in our cohort of VLBW infants • For the most frequently EUGR criteria used, traditionally considering weight, concordance among Fenton, Olsen and INTERGROWTH-21st growth charts is only moderate for all the definitions of EUGR by weight except cross-sectional definition. Concordance among the charts is good or very good for the different criteria of EUGR by head circumference and length.

Expected and Desirable Preterm and Small Infant Growth Patterns

Adequate nutrition is necessary for achieving optimal growth and neurodevelopment. Growth is a natural and expected process that happens concomitantly with rapid advancements in neurodevelopment. Serial weight, length, and head circumference growth measures are essential for monitoring development, although identifying pathological deviations from normal growth can pose challenges. Appropriate growth assessments require considerations that a range of sizes for length, head circumference, and weight are expected and appropriate. Because of genetic differences and morbidities, there is a considerable overlap between the growth of healthy infants and those with growth alterations. Parents tend to be over-concerned about children who plot low on growth charts and often need reassurance. Thus, the use of terms such as "poor" growth or growth "failure" are discouraged when growth is approximately parallel to growth chart curves even if their size is smaller than specific percentiles. No specific percentile should be set as a growth goal; individual variability should be expected. An infant's size at birth is important information that goes beyond the common use of prognostic predictions of appropriate compared with small or large for gestational age. The lower the birthweight, the lower the nutrient stores and the more important the need for nutrition support. Compared to term infants, preterm infants at term-equivalent age have a higher percentage of body fat, but this diminishes over the next months. Current research findings support expert recommendations that preterm infants should grow, after early postnatal weight loss, similar to the fetus and then term-born infants, which translates to growth approximately parallel to growth chart curves. There is no need for a trade-off between optimum cognition and optimum future health. Each high-risk infant needs individualized nutrition and growth assessments. This review aims to examine infant growth expectations and messaging for parents of preterm and term-born infants within the broader causal framework.

Testing the reported long-term advantages of protein-fortified human milk in very low birth weight neonates

Preterm infants are at-risk for extrauterine growth restriction and downward percentile-crossing between birth and discharge. Increased energy and protein intake through fortification of human milk during the first weeks of life has been associated with improved short-term growth and better developmental outcomes. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether these benefits persist up to children school age. The study was designed as an observational study. During hospitalization, 22 very low birth weight preterm infants were fed with increasing protein fortification of human milk (protein supplemented group, PSG). As a control group (CG), 11 preterm infants were fed with standard nutrition regimen. At children school age (9-11 years), we assessed anthropometric data (weight, height, BMI), global health (renal function), and specific psychological outcomes (Child Behavior Checklist 6-18). A global homogeneity between CG and PSG groups emerged: we found no significant differences in weight, height, and BMI, nor in internalizing symptom outcomes (all ps > 0.05). However, mothers reported significantly higher externalizing symptoms for the PSG infants compared to CG infants. Therefore, neonatal enteral protein supplementation in very low birth weight preterm infants leads to no positive nor adverse consequences in long-term assessment, suggesting that benefits are restricted to the neonatal term and first years of age.

Defining Body Mass Index Using Weight and Length for Gestational Age in the Growth Assessment of Preterm Infants at Birth

OBJECTIVE

 The objectives of this study were to describe (1) body mass indexes (BMIs) using weight and length for gestational age (GA) classifications, and (2) the additional information BMI, as a measure of body proportionality, provides for preterm infant growth assessment and care plans at birth.

STUDY DESIGN

 Birth weight, length, and BMI of 188,646 preterm infants (24-36 weeks gestation) admitted to U.S. neonatal intensive care units (Pediatrix Clinical Data Warehouse, 2013-2018) were classified (Olsen curves) as small, appropriate, or large for GA (SGA < 10th, AGA 10-90th, LGA > 90th percentile for GA, respectively). The distribution for the 27 weight-length-BMI combinations was described.

RESULTS

 At birth, most infants were appropriate for weight (80.0%), length (82.2%), head circumference (82.9%), and BMI (79.9%) for GA. Birth weight for GA identified approximately 20% of infants as SGA or LGA. Infants born SGA (or LGA) for both weight and length ("proportionate" in size) were usually appropriate for BMI (59.0% and 75.6%). BMI distinguished disproportionate weight for length in infants with SGA or LGA weight at birth (58.3%, 49.9%). BMI also identified 11.4% of AGA weight infants as small or large for BMI ("disproportionate" in size) at birth; only using weight for GA missed these underweight/overweight for length infants.

CONCLUSION

 The unique, additional information provided by birth BMI further informs individualized preterm infant growth assessment by providing an assessment of an infant's body proportionality (weight relative to its length) in addition to the routine assessment of weight, length, and head circumference for GA and may better inform care plans and impact outcomes.

KEY POINTS

· Most preterm infants were born AGA for all growth measures.. · AGA weight infants may be under- or overweight for length.. · BMI distinguished body disproportionality in SGA/LGA infants.. · Recommend BMI assessed along with weight, length and head.. · Further research on BMI in preterm infants is needed..

Mother's mental health and the interaction with her moderate preterm baby in the NICU

INTRODUCTION

Moderate preterm infants, born between 320/7 and 336/7 weeks, represent a significant number of preterm-born infants; however, they remain a poorly studied group despite their vulnerability. The objective of this correlational study is to describe the impact of having a moderate preterm infant hospitalised in the NICU on the mothers' mental health and how this relates to the interaction between the dyad.

METHOD

During the hospitalisation period, 85 moderate preterm mother-infant dyads participated in this study. The participants provided self-reports of depression, parental stress, and skin to skin and breastfeeding practices. Also, mother-infant interaction was assessed in the NICU with an observational scale.

RESULTS

Mothers evidenced high levels of stress and depressive symptoms during the hospitalization. The stress experienced by these women was significant, although weakly, associated with the interaction with their babies; and mothers of small for gestational age babies showed difficulties in this area.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study could represent a contribution to a better understanding of the relation between the characteristics of moderate preterm babies, maternal emotional wellbeing, and the quality of mother-infant interactions in NICU settings.

Nutritional Needs of the Infant with Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia

Growth failure is a common problem in infants with established bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Suboptimal growth for infants with BPD is associated with unfavorable respiratory and neurodevelopmental outcomes; however, high-quality evidence to support best nutritional practices are limited for this vulnerable patient population. Consequently, there exists a wide variation in the provision of nutritional care and monitoring of growth for infants with BPD. Other neonatal populations at risk for growth failure, such as infants with congenital heart disease, have demonstrated improved growth outcomes with the creation and compliance of clinical protocols to guide nutritional management. Developing clinical protocols to guide nutritional management for infants with BPD may similarly improve long-term outcomes. Given the absence of high-quality trials to guide nutritional practice in infants with BPD, the best available evidence of systematic reviews and clinical recommendations can be applied to optimize growth and decrease variation in the care of these infants.

Linear growth and neurobehavioural outcome in preterm neonates (<34 weeks) at term corrected gestational age: a prospective observational study

The present study explores the association between linear growth and neurobehavioral outcome in preterm (<34 weeks) when evaluated by NAPI score (Neurobehavioral Assessment of Preterm Infants) at term gestational age (GA). 80 preterm neonates were enrolled for this study and divided into two groups based on the increase in length/week at term corrected gestational age (CGA). Anthropometric parameters were calculated at various time points of study and Z scores were calculated. Neurobehavioral assessment of the enrolled infants was done by NAPI score at 37 and 40 weeks of CGA. After controlling for GA, weight Z scores, and head circumference Z scores, the median score of NAPI-motor development-vigor at 37 weeks and NAPI alertness orientation at 40 weeks were positively related to length Z scores at 37 weeks (p = 0.04) and 40 weeks (p = 0.035), respectively. Neonates with suppressed linear growth have poor short-term neurological outcomes. We recommend linear growth monitoring along with weight gain in the developed countries and diminished linear growth in the neonate as a marker to predict deviation in cognitive outcome in the future.

The Optimal State Scoring Tool: guidance for interdisciplinary care of infants with severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia and its relation to linear growth

OBJECTIVE

Infants with severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia (sBPD) have complex medical courses. We developed the clinician-rated Optimal State Scoring Tool (OSST) that measures factors relevant to clinical improvement of sBPD and investigated preliminary validity using linear growth outcome and OSST scores in sBPD patients.

METHODS

Tool development process and pilot findings are provided for 13 patients evaluated longitudinally. OSST scores, length measurements, and steroid dependency values were obtained. Changes in OSST scores and lengths were examined using linear mixed-effect models.

RESULTS

OSST scores were significantly correlated with linear growth (95% CI 0.36, 0.57). The steroid-dependent group showed significantly slower rate of linear growth (95% CI 0.74, 1.05) and slower rate of increase in OSST scores (95% CI 0.99, 2.13) compared to the non-steroid-dependent group, with the OSST showing the largest effect size.

CONCLUSION

Pilot data reflect promising evidence for OSST construct validity in monitoring clinical outcomes in sBPD patients.

Comparison of Infant Length Measurements Using Tape Measure Versus Length Board

BACKGROUND

For infants requiring intensive care, infant length is a primary gauge of nutrition and forms the basis for important future treatment decisions. However, existing evidence demonstrates discrepancies in infant length measurements between tape measure and length board.

PURPOSE

To compare the accuracy and reliability of infant length measurements using tape measure (standard practice) and length board in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at a public academic medical center.

METHODS

Using a single-group, quasi-experimental, repeated-measures design, 108 infants (35.58 ± 3.68 weeks, male 59%, 2124.83 ± 881.69 g) admitted to the NICU were prospectively enrolled. Clinical nurses measured infants weekly per unit-based protocol using tape measures. Study team measured length using length boards within 24 hours of tape measurement. Primary outcome was infant length. Length measurements were converted to sex-specific Fenton or WHO growth percentiles. Linear mixed-effects regression, κ coefficient, intraclass correlation coefficient, and positive predictive value were calculated.

FINDINGS/RESULTS

The main effect of measurement conditions and time was significant. Predicted length was 0.38 cm lower for length board than for tape measure over time. Weighted κ coefficient and intraclass correlation coefficient indicated good to excellent agreement. More than 37% of infants shifted to a new percentile category based on both measurements. Positive predictive value of length board at time 1 was 63%.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Length board measurements are reliable for accurate classification of an infant's growth curve to influence diagnosis and future plan of care.

IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH

Future research warrants replication using a longitudinal design across multiple sites.

Correlation of NICU anthropometry in extremely preterm infants with brain development and language scores at early school age

Growth in preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is associated with increased global and regional brain volumes at term, and increased postnatal linear growth is associated with higher language scores at age 2. It is unknown whether these relationships persist to school age or if an association between growth and cortical metrics exists. Using regression analyses, we investigated relationships between the growth of 42 children born extremely preterm (< 28 weeks gestation) from their NICU hospitalization, standardized neurodevelopmental/language assessments at 2 and 4-6 years, and multiple neuroimaging biomarkers obtained from T1-weighted images at 4-6 years. We found length at birth and 36 weeks post-menstrual age had positive associations with language scores at 2 years in multivariable linear regression. No growth metric correlated with 4-6 year assessments. Weight and head circumference at 36 weeks post-menstrual age positively correlated with total brain volume and negatively with global cortical thickness at 4-6 years of age. Head circumference relationships remained significant after adjusting for age, sex, and socioeconomic status. Right temporal cortical thickness was related to receptive language at 4-6 years in the multivariable model. Results suggest growth in the NICU may have lasting effects on brain development in extremely preterm children.

The Impacts of Single Preterm Human Donor Milk Compared to Mother's Own Milk on Growth and Body Composition

(1) If mother´s own milk (MOM) is not available, pooled term human donor milk (HDM) is commonly used. Compared to MOM, term HDM contains less protein and fat and is associated with impaired growth. HDM from mothers of preterm infants is an alternative source and contains higher protein levels compared to term HDM, but the impacts on growth and body composition are unclear. (2) Methods: Infants born below 32 weeks of gestation and below 1500 g between 2017-2022, who underwent air displacement plethysmography (Pea Pod^®) to determine body composition (FFM: fat-free mass; FM: fat mass) at term-equivalent age, were included. A comparison between infants fed with MOM > 50% (MOM-group) and single preterm HDM > 50% (HDM-group) was conducted. (3) Results: In total, 351 infants (MOM-group: n = 206; HDM-group: n = 145) were included for the analysis. The median FFM-Z-score (MOM-group: -1.09; IQR: -2.02, 1.11; HDM-group: -1.13; IQR: -2.03, 1.12; p = 0.96), FM-Z-score (MOM-group: 1.06; IQR: -0.08, 2.22; HDM-group: 1.19; IQR: -0.14, 2.20; p = 0.09), and median growth velocity (MOM-group: 23.1 g/kg/d; IQR: 20.7, 26.0; HDM: 22.5 g/kg/d; IQR: 19.7, 25.8; p = 0.15) values were not significantly different between the groups. (4) Conclusion: Single preterm HDM is a good alternative to support normal growth and body composition.

Maternal Vitamin B12 Status during Pregnancy and Early Infant Neurodevelopment: The ECLIPSES Study

In this prospective cohort study of 434 mother-infant pairs from the ECLIPSES study, we examine the association between maternal vitamin B12 status at the beginning and end of pregnancy and the neurodevelopmental outcomes of infants 40 days after birth in a pregnant population from a Mediterranean region of northern Spain. Maternal vitamin B12 concentrations were determined in the first and third trimesters, and sociodemographic, nutritional, and psychological data were collected. At 40 days postpartum, the Bayley Scales of Infant Development-III (BSID-III, cognitive, language, and motor skills) were administered to the infants and several obstetrical data were recorded. In the multivariable models, medium maternal first-trimester vitamin B12 levels (312 to 408 pg/mL, tertile 2) were associated with better neonatal performance in the motor, gross motor, language, and cognitive skills with respect to tertile 1 (<312 pg/mL). The probability of obtaining a neonatal motor, gross motor, and receptive language score >75th percentile was significantly higher also in the tertile 2 group. In summary, good maternal vitamin B12 status in the early stage of pregnancy appears to be associated with better infant motor, language, and cognitive performance at 40 days postpartum.

A review and guide to nutritional care of the infant with established bronchopulmonary dysplasia

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) remains the most common long-term morbidity of premature birth, and the incidence of BPD is not declining despite medical advancements. Infants with BPD are at high risk for postnatal growth failure and are often treated with therapies that suppress growth. Additionally, these infants may display excess weight gain relative to linear growth. Optimal growth and nutrition are needed to promote lung growth and repair, improve long-term pulmonary function, and improve neurodevelopmental outcomes. Linear growth in particular has been associated with favorable outcomes yet can be difficult to achieve in these patients. While there has been a significant clinical and research focus regarding BPD prevention and early preterm nutrition, there is a lack of literature regarding nutritional care of the infant with established BPD. There is even less information regarding how nutritional needs change as BPD evolves from an acute to chronic disease. This article reviews the current literature regarding nutritional challenges, enteral nutrition management, and monitoring for patients with established BPD. Additionally, this article provides a practical framework for interdisciplinary nutritional care based on our clinical experience at the Comprehensive Center for Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia.

Nurse-Driven Interventions for Improving ELBW Neurodevelopmental Outcomes

Survival rates for extremely low-birth-weight (ELBW) infants are improving as neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI) rates stay stable, thereby increasing the overall number of infants with NDI. Although there are many determinants of NDI in this population, nutritional factors are of interest because they are readily modifiable in the clinical setting. Nurses can influence nutritional factors such as improving access to human milk feeding, using growth monitoring, establishing feeding policies, implementing oral care with colostrum, facilitating kangaroo care, and providing lactation education for the mother. All of these measures assist in leading to a decrease in NDI rates among ELBW infants.

Infant nutrition (donor human milk vs. maternal milk) and long-term neurodevelopmental and growth outcomes in very low birth weight infants

BACKGROUND

Human milk, the ultimate source of nutrition for premature infants, enhances host defense mechanism, gastrointestinal maturation, lowers infection rate, improves neurodevelopmental outcomes, and reduces long-term cardiovascular and metabolic disease. Recently, there has been an increase in donor breast milk (DBM) use for premature infants; however, data are limited on the long-term effects of DBM on the infant's growth and neurodevelopmental outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

To determine if there is an association between type of infant nutrition (maternal breast milk (MBM) or DBM) and neurodevelopmental and growth outcomes in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants.

DESIGN/METHODS

Retrospective cohort study of VLBW (<1500 g) infants admitted to the Baylor Scott & White Memorial Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit from January 2014 to December 2016. Infants with major congenital anomalies, born at an outside hospital, who were nil per os (NPO) for >15 days, or who died before NICU discharge were excluded. Infants were stratified into two groups (MBM or DBM) based on predominant nutrition (>50%) received in the first month of life. Primary outcomes of neurodevelopmental delay(s) between 2 and 4 years of age identified via ICD 9/10 codes. Growth data (weight, length, and head circumference) were obtained from well-check visits at 12-, 18-, 24-, 36-, and 48-months. Severity of illness was determined using the Clinical Risk Index in Babies-II (CRIB-II) score. Generalized linear models were used to assess the relationship between nutrition and neurodevelopmental delay and trends in growth over time.

RESULTS

Two hundred and nine infants were included: 146 MBM; 63 DBM. Median gestational age was 28 weeks (range, 23-35) and median birthweight was 1050 g (range, 410-1470). There were no significant differences in birthweight, gestational age, CRIB-II score, or length of stay between the groups. Infants fed DBM had a significantly larger weight z-score (p=.005), length z-score (p=.01), and head circumference z-score (p=.04), on average from birth to 48 months compared to MBM infants, while controlling for NICU length of stay and number of follow-up months; however, this only equated to DBM infants being 0.5 in taller and 0.9 lbs heavier at 48 months. There were no statistically significant differences among type of infant nutrition and long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes, while controlling for CRIB-II score.

CONCLUSIONS

Infants fed DBM have a slightly greater propensity for growth over time compared to infants fed MBM. Longer follow-up is needed to further determine the effect, infant nutrition has on neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Nonlinear relationship between early postnatal weight gain velocity and neurodevelopmental outcomes in very-low birth weight preterm infants: A secondary analysis based on a published prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Extrauterine growth restriction among the very-low birth weight preterm infants (VLBWPIs) is associated with poorer cognitive development outcome, while the rapid weight gain in infancy increases the long-term risk of obesity and noncommunicable disease among VLBWPIs. However, the results of research on the association between early postnatal growth velocity and neurodevelopmental outcomes in VLBWPIs are still limited and controversial.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to explore the association between the growth velocity in early postnatal and neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI) among VLBWPIs.

METHODS

This study was a secondary analysis of a previously published prospective cohort. It was based on data on 1,791 premature infants with a birth weight of less than 1500 g, registered in the database of the Premature Baby Foundation of Taiwan between 2007 and 2011. A binary logistic regression model was used to evaluate the association between the weight gain velocity in different periods [from birth to 6 months corrected age (CA), 6 to 12 months CA, and 12 to 24 months CA] and NDI, respectively. The generalized additive model and the smooth curve fitting (penalized spline method) were used to address nonlinearity, and a two-piece-wise binary logistic regression model was added to explain the nonlinearity further.

RESULTS

Nonlinearities were observed between NDI and the weight gain velocity from birth to 6 months CA [inflection point 20.36, <inflection point: odds ratio (OR) = 0.75, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.67-0.84, >inflection point: OR = 1.01, 95% CI 0.97-1.05], 6-12 months CA [inflection point 9.44, <inflection point: OR = 0.89, 95% CI 0.84-0.94, >inflection point: OR = 1.05, 95% CI 1.05-(1.00, 1.11)], and 12-24 months CA [inflection point 16.00, <inflection point: OR = 0.93, 95% CI 0.88-0.98, >inflection point: OR = 1.75, 95% CI 1.05-(0.96, 3.08)].

CONCLUSION

The neurodevelopmental benefits from a rapid weight gain velocity from birth to 24 months CA might be limited once the growth pace reaches an optimum level. It would help find a pattern of growth that facilitates optimal neurodevelopment, yet minimizes negative health consequences associated with overnutrition further.

Weight gain in the first week of life and its association with morbidity and mortality in extremely low birthweight (ELBW) infants

BACKGROUND

Weight gain in the first week of life is indicative of fluid excess in preterm neonates.

AIMS

To determine if morbidity and/or mortality of extremely low birthweight (ELBW) infants was lower in those who did not have excess weight gain in the first week of life, compared with those who did.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SUBJECTS

ELBW infants born from 1st May 2014 - 31st May 2019.

EXCLUSIONS

major congenital abnormalities (including hydrops), died within the first 7 days, no recorded weight on day 6, 7 or 8.

OUTCOME MEASURES

We compared infants whose weight was greater than birthweight by day 7 and infants whose weight remained at, or below, birthweight by day 7.

RESULTS

There were 312 ELBW infants in the study population: 15 (5%) died before discharge from hospital. Holding birthweight and gestational age (GA) constant, the odds of death in neonates with day 7 weight >birthweight was about 3 times the odds of death in neonates with day 7 weight ≤birthweight (adjusted odds ratio 3.18, 95% confidence interval 0.66-15.26, p = 0.15). Neonates with day 7 weight >birthweight were more likely to have had a PDA that required treatment than those with day 7 weight ≤birthweight (65% versus 43% respectively; p <0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

ELBW infants who gain weight in the first week of postnatal life, have a greater risk of PDA requiring treatment and may have a higher risk of mortality than infants who lose weight in the first week of life.

Protein Enrichment of Donor Breast Milk and Impact on Growth in Very Low Birth Weight Infants

Protein content is often inadequate in donor breast milk (DBM), resulting in poor growth. The use of protein-enriched target-pooled DBM (DBM+) has not been examined. We compared three cohorts of very low birth weight (VLBW) infants, born ≤ 1500 g: DBM cohort receiving > 1-week target-pooled DBM (20 kcal/oz), MBM cohort receiving ≤ 1-week DBM, and DBM+ cohort receiving > 1-week DBM+. Infants followed a standardized feeding regimen with additional fortification per clinical discretion. Growth velocities and z-scores were calculated for the first 4 weeks (n = 69 for DBM, 71 for MBM, 70 for DBM+) and at 36 weeks post-menstrual age (n = 58, 64, 59, respectively). In total, 60.8% MBM infants received fortification >24 kcal/oz in the first 30 days vs. 78.3% DBM and 77.1% DBM+. Adjusting for SGA, length velocity was greater with DBM+ than DBM in week 1. Average weight velocity and z-score change were improved with MBM compared to DBM and DBM+, but length z-score decreased similarly across all groups. Incidences of NEC and feeding intolerance were unchanged between eras. Thus, baseline protein enrichment appears safe in stable VLBW infants. Weight gain is greatest with MBM. Linear growth comparable to MBM is achievable with DBM+, though the overall length trajectory remains suboptimal.

Association between body composition at term equivalent age and Bayley scores at 2 years in preterm infants

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether in a historical cohort of preterm infants, body composition at term equivalent age (TEA) correlated with Bayley scores at 2 years of corrected age.

STUDY DESIGN

Ninety-five preterm babies were admitted to our neonatal intensive unit and underwent air-displacement plethysmography assessment at TEA. Of these, 74 completed Bayley tests at 2 years. We used multiple linear regression analysis to assess the association of body composition with Bayley scores.

RESULTS

Mean gestational age and birthweight of our population were respectively 29.8 (±2.2) weeks and 1150 (±330) grams. Higher fat-free mass (FFM) z-score was associated with higher language (adjusted r = 0.28, p = 0.03) and motor composite scores (adjusted r = 0.33, p = 0.03) in both univariate and multiple regression analysis including birth weight, sex, maternal university degree, mechanical ventilation, and bilingualism.

CONCLUSIONS

In our study FFM at term equivalent age was associated with higher Bayley composite motor and language scores at 2 years.

Effects of early intake of amino acid on the neurodevelopmental outcomes in very low birth weight infants at correct age of 20 months and school age

BACKGROUND

Inadequate nutrition leads to poor neurodevelopmental outcomes in very low-birth weight infants (VLBWIs). This study aimed to investigate the beneficial effects of early amino acid intake on the neurodevelopmental outcomes in VLBWIs at 20 months of correct age and school age.

METHODS

The information of VLBWIs that received amino acid intake were retrospectively analyzed in this study. The cases in early group (EAA) received amino acid within 24 h, but the cases in standard group (SAA) after 48 h post-natal. The body weight, height, and Bayley score of the infants at correct age of 20 months were compared between groups. And the cognitive outcomes at school age were evaluated using Wechsler Intelligence Scale and Das-Naglieri cognitive assessment system.

RESULTS

There were no differences at baseline characteristics of the VLBWIs between EAA and SAA groups. Compared with the SAA group, the infants in EAA group had shorter time to regain birth weight (P < 0.05). The head circumference, MDI, and PDI in EAA group at 20 months of correct age were significantly higher than that in SAA group (both P < 0.05). According to the Wechsler scale and Das-Naglieri scores, the infants in EAA group had markedly improved cognitive outcomes compared with those in SAA group (all P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The results of this study revealed that early amino acid intake within 24 h could significantly improve the neurodevelopmental and cognitive outcomes in VLBWIs at 20 months of correct age and school age.

Quality improvement project designed to reduce disproportionate growth in extremely low gestational age neonates: cognitive neurodevelopmental outcome at 18-41 months

OBJECTIVE

To assess if the adjusted odds of low composite cognitive Bayley-III scores changed after implementing a single-institution quality improvement (QI) project designed to decrease discharge Z-scores for weight, body mass index (BMI), and weight-for-length, but not length or fronto-occipital circumference (FOC) in infants 23-28 weeks gestational age (GA).

METHODS

Compare Bayley-III outcomes at ≥18 months corrected age (postnatal age adjusted for prematurity) in infants tested before (Epoch-1) and after (Epoch-2) QI implementation.

RESULTS

Bayley testing was available in 134/156 infants (86%) in Epoch-1 and 139/175 (79%) in Epoch-2. There was no change in frequency of low (<85) cognitive score (p = 0.5) or in median cognitive scores (80 in Epoch-1 vs. 85 Epoch-2, p = 0.35). The adjusted odds of low cognitive scores was not different between Epochs.

CONCLUSION

No change in cognitive outcome at ≥18 months corrected age was observed after implementing a QI project designed to reduce discharge weight-for-length disproportion in very preterm infants.

"Extrauterine growth restriction" and "postnatal growth failure" are misnomers for preterm infants

Preterm infants are increasingly diagnosed as having "extrauterine growth restriction" (EUGR) or "postnatal growth failure" (PGF). Usually EUGR/PGF is diagnosed when weight is <10th percentile at either discharge or 36-40 weeks postmenstrual age. The reasons why the phrases EUGR/PGF are unhelpful include, they: (i) are not predictive of adverse outcome; (ii) are based only on weight without any consideration of head or length growth, proportionality, body composition, or genetic potential; (iii) ignore normal postnatal weight loss; (iv) are usually assessed prior to growth slowing of the reference fetus, around 36-40 weeks, and (v) are usually based on an arbitrary statistical growth percentile cut-off. Focus on EUGR/PGF prevalence may benefit with better attention to nutrition but may also harm with nutrition delivery above infants' actual needs. In this paper, we highlight challenges associated with such arbitrary cut-offs and opportunities for further refinement of understanding growth and nutritional needs of preterm neonates.

Growth Measurement Practices from a National Survey of Neonatal Nurses

PURPOSE

To describe neonatal nurses' growth measurement practices, attitudes, knowledge, bases of practice knowledge, and barriers and facilitators for changing practice; and to identify differences in practices and knowledge by nursing organization, unit type, education, and experience.

DESIGN AND METHODS

A cross-sectional online survey of U.S. neonatal nurses was distributed through two neonatal nursing organizations.

RESULTS

The survey was completed by 301 nurses. Some evidence-based practices (EBPs) were infrequently reported including recording frontal-occipital head circumference (FOC) and length using 0.1 cm increments (17.9% and 17.6%, respectively); measuring FOC, weight, and length more than once before recording (61.9%, 27.2%, and 39.6%, respectively); and for length, using a length board instead of tape measure (19.4%), with a second person assisting (25.1%), with Frankfort plane head positioning (3.3%), and measuring from crown to heels of both feet (19.1%). Most nurses perceived their measurements as accurate or highly accurate (96.7% for FOC, 99.3% for weight, and 87.1% for length). The mean percentage correct on knowledge items was 68.1%. NICU nurses scored slightly better than well-newborn nurses (mean 69.3% correct vs. 65.1% correct, p = .04). Most based measurement practices on clinical practice guidelines (86.6%) and unit policies and procedures (85.9%). Team culture (33.3%) and insufficient resources (32.6%) were the most common barriers to EBP. The support of nurse managers (70.0%) and unit educators (68.5%) were common facilitators.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Knowledge gaps and practice improvement areas were identified. Results can inform interventions to improve the accuracy and reliability of neonatal growth measurement practices.

Prematurity With Extrauterine Growth Restriction Increases the Risk of Higher Levels of Glucose, Low-Grade of Inflammation and Hypertension in Prepubertal Children

Introduction: An adipose tissue programming mechanism could be implicated in the extrauterine growth restriction (EUGR) of very preterm infants with morbidity in the cardiometabolic status later in life, as has been reported in intrauterine growth restriction. The aim of this study was to assess whether children with a history of prematurity and EUGR, but also with an adequate growth, showed alterations in the metabolic and inflammatory status. Methods: This was a case-control study. A total of 88 prepubertal children with prematurity antecedents were selected: 38 with EUGR and 50 with an adequate growth pattern (PREM group). They were compared with 123 healthy children born at term. Anthropometry, metabolic parameters, blood pressure (BP), C-reactive protein, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-8, monocyte chemotactic protein type 1 (MCP-1), neural growth factor, tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 were analysed at the prepubertal age. Results: EUGR children exhibited higher BP levels and a higher prevalence of hypertension (46%) compared with both PREM (10%) and control (2.5%) groups. Moreover, there was a positive relationship between BP levels and values for glucose, insulin and HOMA-IR only in children with a EUGR history. The EUGR group showed higher concentrations of most of the cytokines analysed, markedly higher TNF-α, HGF and MCP-1 levels compared with the other two groups. Conclusion: EUGR status leads to cardiometabolic changes and a low-grade inflammatory status in children with a history of prematurity, and that could be related with cardiovascular risk later in life.

Adjustable feedings plus accurate serial length measurements decrease discharge weight-length disproportion in very preterm infants: quality improvement project

BACKGROUND

Preterm very-low-birth-weight (≤1500 g) infants exhibit disproportionate weight-for-length growth in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

LOCAL PROBLEM

High frequency of body mass index (BMI) > 90th centile at discharge and 1-year postnatal age associated with elevated blood pressure and serum leptin in infancy and adolescence.

METHODS

Single-institution quality improvement project in appropriately grown infants born at 23^0/7-28^6/7 weeks gestational age and discharged home.

INTERVENTION

Adjustable feeding protocol based on valid serial length measurements (board or caliper).

RESULTS

The average monthly percentage of weight-for-length disproportion at discharge decreased from 13% in Epoch 1 to 0% in Epoch 2 (P < 0.05). Although the average Z-score for BMI at discharge was lower in Epoch 2 versus Epoch 1 (P < 0.01), this was absent by 1 year follow-up (P = 0.91).

CONCLUSIONS

Adjustable feedings plus use of accurate serial length measurements decreases weight-for-length disproportion at hospital discharge but not at 1 year.